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5 Signs You May Have Whiplash After a Car Accident

Written By Back to Health Chiropractic and Massage on August 10, 2018

Were you recently in a car accident? 

Did the force of the impact cause your head and neck to whip forward and backward, like a cracking whip?

If so, you may be experiencing a variety of symptoms that could point to whiplash.

Here are 5 signs you may have whiplash, plus what to do about it and what whiplash treatments you may need.

5 Major Signs You Need Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash can injure your neck tissues, including the muscles, nerves, and ligaments. It can also affect your spine and the disks between your spinal column.

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should see a doctor:

1. Your Symptoms Didn’t Show Up Until 24 or More Hours After the Accident

Usually, the symptoms of whiplash are delayed. You may not start feeling the effects of that head-jerking action caused by your accident until at least 24 hours after the incident. It may even take a few days.

2. You Can’t Turn Your Neck to One or Both Sides

A major sign that you have whiplash is if your neck is stiff and sore, and you can’t move it without feeling increased pain.

You may not be able to turn your head to look over your shoulder on one or both sides.

3. You’ve Had Some Major Headaches

Are headaches plaguing you after your car accident?

Headaches are a good sign that the damage to your neck is radiating upward to affect your head and skull.

4. Your Upper Back and Shoulders Hurt

If you have pain in your upper back and shoulders, that might be because your neck has been injured due to whiplash.

5. You’re Dizzy, Irritable, and Tired, and Your Sleep Is Fitful

Other lesser-known symptoms of whiplash include dizziness, irritability, fatigue, and interrupted sleep. You may also have blurred vision, ringing in your ears, and memory problems.

What’s the Best Whiplash Treatment?

If you’re suffering from any of the above symptoms after a car accident, you may need treatment.

One of the best treatments for whiplash is chiropractic care. A professional chiropractor can relieve pain, ease stiffness, and lessen stress and tension with proven techniques that don’t require any drugs.

Don’t suffer needlessly from whiplash symptoms. Call Back to Health Chiropractic & Massage and start feeling like your old self again: (360) 253-4285


Posted In: Auto Injury Treatment Whiplash Treatment After An Accident